The path hugs the pink quartzite cliff-face for the entire ascent. We were walking in the wetter season and found that there was an almost constant freshwater drip over the cliff and onto our heads. As we were very hot this was a welcome relief, although it did add a certain slip-factor to some of the stones underfoot and we both found ourselves grateful for our hiking poles.
The Needles is an unsigned, wild walking trail best suited to those with experience. The track is only marked with cairns and plastic ribbon which adds to the sense of wilderness. It is the perfect way to dip your toe in the Southwest National Park and learn what some of the bigger walks might have in store.
Sapphire, almost at the top Where we went: Collins Cap (Wellington National Park)When we went: Winter 2020Estimated time for hike: 3.5 hoursTime spent on hike: 4.5 hours (took an unplanned detour and a very long break, also sustained a minor injury)Grade of hike: 3 Collins Cap, located within the Wellington National Park is best accessed… Continue reading Collins Cap: Wellington National Park
Where we went: Disappearing Tarn (Kunanyi/Wellington Park) When we went: Mid-winter 2020 Estimated time to complete walk: 6 hours (3 if you only go to the Tarn) Time spent on walk: 6 hours Humans, in general, are obsessed with the weather, and Tasmanians doubly so. It is the great force that connects us all through… Continue reading Wellington Park: Wellington Falls via Disappearing Tarn
Where we went: Mount Maria When we went: late summer 2020 Estimated time to complete walk: 4-5hrs Time spent on walk: 4hrs Are you, like us, carefully planning the rest of the year once we are allowed out again? Are you concerned about the weather in Tasmania given that we are likely to be released… Continue reading Mount Maria.
Where we went: Bishop and Clerk (Maria Island) When we went: Late summer 2020 Estimated time for walk: 4 – 5 hrs Time spent on walk: 4 hrs We were going to catch the first ferry out to Darlington, but we thought better of it (on account of our mutual love for sleep) and caught… Continue reading Maria Island: Bishop and Clerk
Where we went: Hartz Mountain National Park (Hartz Peak) When we went: early December, 2019 Estimated time for walk: 4hrs Time spent on walk: just under 4hrs The Hartz Peak hike is described as “moderate”, and this is accurate on a level never previously conceived of. It is challenging in parts, but the paths are… Continue reading Hartz Mountain: Snow in Summer
Where we went: Mt Amos (Freycinet National Park) When we went: Early Spring 2018 Proposed length of hike 3 hours: time spent of hike 3ish hours (+2 on the summit for the photoshoot). “I need you to file your nails.” I said to Sommelier, handing him a nail file. “Why?” he grumbled, petulant from lack… Continue reading Mt Amos (A Love Story)
Cradle Mountain is comprised of a series of walking tracks to suit a range of ability levels. The visitor centre opening hours vary depending on the season and during autumn they are open from 8:30am to 4:30pm. Access to higher altitude sections of the mountain by private car are restricted.
to climb Mt Roland, partly because we want to test our recovery times and work towards one day doing the overland track, but mostly because it is a lesser known walk in the region and we wanted a dollop of solitude with our slice of adventure.
Sapphire and Sommelier 